14.06.12
54% of patients lack full diabetes checks
More than half of people with diabetes in England and Wales are not receiving all their basic checks, a new audit shows.
The adherence to all nine checks, which includes assessing blood pressure, blood sugar and the condition of patients’ feet, varies significantly depending on geographical location and age.
According to Diabetes UK, there are just over two million people in England and Waleswith diabetes. The 2010/11 National Diabetes Inpatient Audit (NaDIA) found that in almost a quarter of English local health authority areas, less than half of patients are receiving all their checks.
Those under 55 are less likely to receive all the checks than older patients. In one PCT only 16% of patients received all nine checks, which include assessment of blood pressure, feet and blood sugar. At the other end of the scale, one PCT reported 71% of patients receiving all their checks.
However the total has improved slightly from 51% of patients in England and Wales receiving all their checks in 2009/10 to 54% in 2010/11.
The report states: “NaDIA has shown that people with diabetes in hospital are older, sicker, have more complex disease, stay longer, require more complex treatments, suffer frequent medication errors and not infrequently come to harm. NaDIA has documented that many hospitals remain under-resourced for diabetes care.”
Dr Bob Young, clinical lead for the audit, said: “The small overall improvement is welcome but quite insufficient. The high performing localities show that this core essential care can and should be delivered much more reliably.”
Barbara Young, chief executive of Diabetes UK, said: “Stroke, blindness, amputation and heart attacks are just some of the devastating health problems people with diabetes face if their condition isn’t managed properly.”
To view the report, visit www.ic.nhs.uk/webfiles/Services/NCASP/audits%20and%20reports/7.National_Diabetes_Inpatient_Audit_2011_FINAL_INTERACTIVE_PDF.pdf
Tell us what you think – have your say below, or email us directly at [email protected]